When to use TRS vs TRRS cables for mics, cameras, and phones

TRS is for cameras and portable audio recorders. TRRS is for smartphones, tablets, and computers. See? Piece of cake. SEE MORE for timestamps and product links.

CHAPTER LINKS
0:00 Intro
1:10 Definitions & uses
2:20 TRS mic to camera/recorder
3:15 TRS mic to smartphone
3:50 Boom to camera/recorder
4:45 Extension cables
5:55 TRRS mics
7:50 Recap

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[StuTech]

I never thought I could ever watch a 9 min+ video about a cable and still make it to the end even thou I knew the subject matter fine feat indeed 👍🏻😃

[thebusinessfirm]

Good stuff, Brian. Most complete and thorough explaining of TRS vs TRRS cabling video, ever made! This will be watched for the next ten years on YouTube. Hope you’re well, mate. Steve.

[MrTerryRay]

Thank you so much for this Brian. You cleared this up for me; TRRS to smartphones -some mics, TRS to most mics, audio recorders.

[HeatLedgerKicks]

Excellent video. Interestingly enough, there isn't a ton of info on TRS vs TRRS that is this straight forward. This video should be the ultimate go-to for anyone trying to understand this topic. Thanks

[wahabdilawar]

Excellent. I shouldn't forget this for another 50 years. I might need a refresher course after that.
Thank you very much for your time and effort.

[gagekenyon]

I have a Rode NTG and need a longer cord to connect to a camera (A7iii). The cord that comes with it seems to be a TRRS to TRRS cable, but what do I need to get it to my camera?

[brian_wong]

Thanks Brian for this excellent video. Definitely the best video that explains TRS vs TRRS very clearly and easy to remember. This topic has always been confusing to me and I've now realized that I have been buying wrong cables for many years. I wish I had seen this video earlier.

[GustavoFAlmeida]

I've been dwelling with this for months but only today I really needed to get it clear. I have a TRRS mic which worked great with a smartphone but I was surprised to find out it didn't work with a new DLSR. Now I know why. Thank you for an awesome video

[Trokonzah]

This is honestly the most helpful video I’ve found on this subject. Thank you so much for this!

[icyfilmsproductions]

LIFE SAVER! We have a shoot coming up and now I learned that our lav mic is TRRS and our recorder only accepts TRS so we need to buy an adapter. Thanks!

[TheJennDanielle]

This answered a question I've been trying to figure out for months! Thank you for the clear and easy to understand instructions.

[stopandthinknow]

Brian: As always, you make the simple, even simpler! Hank

[kevinr.akerman]

I never knew this my brother. THANK YOU!!! I love how you answered the question right out of the gate, at the beginning of the video. You Rule!!!

[PaulCapps]

Well, it has been 4 months since I watched this video, but still find this video very helpful.

[FPIZZA]

I’m streaming cod on PlayStation via OBS on MacBook. Why is it seemingly impossible to find a ground loop isolator for a TRRS cable? I’m running Astro A50 headset and there’s a 3.5mm output in the back of its base station. They say to connect a TRRS cable to computer if you want to capture chat audio in OBS. I’ve been doing this but the hum/hiss is driving me insane! 😩 I bought elgato’s Chat Link Cable to try and use it but it isn’t working for me (did this on recommendation). That cable is funky but it has a GLI built-in to it.

I feel like I’m overlooking something so I am reaching into any industry that uses these cables to try and understand. Thanks you. 😊

Edit: An annoying note: The M3 MacBook Pro’s 3.5mm jack is not a line-in and that was SUPER WEIRD to me because my 2010 MacBook Air had it 😅

[DarrenStephens]

Terrific! Very clear, and settles this once and for all. I think there's something that might be happening to some people, that almost happened to me! When you click on a link, maybe even the one from your video I saw today about booming a microphone, the link takes you to an item on Amazon... But when you follow the link, in my case the item in Amazon by Cable Creations is a TRRS cable, and NOT a TRS cable! I had to go and look again -- which is how I came to this "settled once and for all" video. I had to try repeatedly in Amazon before it took me to a TRS and not a TRRS. Once I took out "Cable Creations, " I was able to find a 10' Hosa TRS cable that will fit my needs.

[joeucreative-old]

Thank you for breaking this down - what REALLY confused me when looking to buy the Rode video NTG, was seeing that it’s supplied with a TRRS to TRRS cable - blew my mind as I thought I’d figured it all out. Your video breaks it down perfectly 😂

[timsweet]

Confusion left the room, went to the restroom I think . He said he will be right back with a few questions ! Chuckles ! Good Job on PA 101 . Lets review !

[presxgonz]

This is one of the most helpful videos I’ve ever watched. Ever

[BerantalvVlogs]

A big help. As a content creator sometimes I'm confused about this thing.